Golden and irresistibly crisp, these Crispy Zucchini Flowers with Ricotta pair a light, crunchy batter with a creamy ricotta and Parmesan filling. Air fried until perfectly golden and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt, they’re an elegant appetiser or shared starter that’s sure to impress.
Makes: 14
Prep time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Featured appliance: Euromaid 900mm 10-Function Induction Freestanding Cooker in Dark Stainless.
Ingredients
14 zucchini flowers
300g fresh ricotta, drained
30g Parmesan, finely grated
1 egg
1 tsp finely grated lemon rind
Sea salt flakes and cracked black pepper
200g plain flour, plus ¼ cup extra for dusting
30g cornflour
2 tsp baking powder
350ml chilled soda water, plus extra if needed
Olive oil spray
Method for Crispy Zucchini Flowers with Ricotta
1. Remove stamens from zucchini flowers and arrange flowers on a tray. Combine ricotta, Parmesan, egg, lemon rind and ½ tsp each sea salt flakes and cracked black pepper in a bowl. Transfer mixture to a piping bag and pipe into flowers, taking care not to overfill. Gently twist petals to enclose filling and set aside.
2. Place plain flour, cornflour and baking powder in a medium bowl and whisk to combine. Gradually pour in chilled soda water and continue to whisk. Add a little more soda water if necessary until just combined and the consistency of pouring cream.
3. Preheat the Euromaid 900mm Freestanding Cooker to 200°C on AIR FRY mode. Dust zucchini flowers lightly in extra plain flour, shaking off excess. Dip into batter, allowing excess to drip off, then arrange in a single layer on the Air Fry tray, leaving space between each flower for the hot air to circulate. Place the tray in the preheated oven and spray generously with oil.
4. Cook on AIR FRY mode for 8-10 minutes, or until crisp and golden. Turn flowers halfway through cooking and spray lightly with extra oil if required. Transfer to a serving plate, season with sea salt flakes and serve immediately.
More Summer Entertaining Inspiration
Be sure to check out all of the recipes in the Summer Entertaining series for more fresh and enticing options perfect for entertaining friends and family under the summer sun!